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[SOLVED] Zone Alarm won't accept dynamic IP device

I have just purchased a Mobile Broadband "dongle" to use with my laptop. However, as soon as I connect with it, a Zone Alarm pop-up window asks me to name the new network and set it as Public or Trusted.
The problem is: The IP address is different every time, and so every time I use the dongle Zone Alarm doesn't recognise it! Is there a way to get Zone Alarm to permanently accept it as a Trusted device, give it a network name and ignore the dynamic IP address when it starts up? Help gratefully appreciated.

Re: Zone Alarm won't accept dynamic IP device

Hello;

It is Sometimes very Difficult toDiagnose and fix a Computerfrom halfway across the Country, or around the World,without All the Details about your computer it's Software and what type and Version of Zone Alarm that you failed to provide, without our ability to sit in front of your Computer monitor and see what's going on..

Next time please specify the exact Type and version of ZA used, the OS used, other security tools installed? Exact details of ZA configuration and IPs in the ZA zones...? and any other information that will help other users here to better identify the issue and try to help.

Re: Zone Alarm won't accept dynamic IP device

Originally Posted by GeorgeV

Hello;

It is Sometimes very Difficult toDiagnose and fix a Computerfrom halfway across the Country, or around the World,without All the Details about your computer it's Software and what type and Version of Zone Alarm that you failed to provide, without our ability to sit in front of your Computer monitor and see what's going on..

Next time please specify the exact Type and version of ZA used, the OS used, other security tools installed? Exact details of ZA configuration and IPs in the ZA zones...? and any other information that will help other users here to better identify the issue and try to help.

I have accepted the default Zone Alarm Configuration, as recent versions don't seem to allow "customisation", unless it's hidden under the hood somewhere!!
I am also using AdAware, Malabytes AntiMalware and Spybot, however the pop-up window seeking a network name and Public/Trusted decision has Zone Alarm in the title bar, so it is definitely that program seeking my reply.
Hope you or another forum member can help!

Re: Zone Alarm won't accept dynamic IP device

I am afraid you will always have to answer to the pop-up. Alternative, in the firewall advance settings you can opt for a default action:

a) Include networks in the Trusted Zone upon detection;
b) Exclude networks from the Trusted Zone upon detection

I would go for option b) as normally dongles do not have a firewall integrated and setting them to Trusted may just expose you directly to the internet (i.e. no firewall). Then add the relevant ISP DNS IPs to the trusted zone.

Re: Zone Alarm won't accept dynamic IP device

Thanks for your help, Fax
I found the setting to Exclude networks from the Trusted Zone and can see the reason for that. Not sure about the DNS IP procedure and reason for that - would you mind explaining that a bit more, please.

Originally Posted by fax

I am afraid you will always have to answer to the pop-up. Alternative, in the firewall advance settings you can opt for a default action:

a) Include networks in the Trusted Zone upon detection;
b) Exclude networks from the Trusted Zone upon detection

I would go for option b) as normally dongles do not have a firewall integrated and setting them to Trusted may just expose you directly to the internet (i.e. no firewall). Then add the relevant ISP DNS IPs to the trusted zone.

Re: Zone Alarm won't accept dynamic IP device

Adding the ISP DNS IPs ensure a stable communication. You want the firewall to block the public zone but you want to ensure that your PC is able to communicated with your ISP (internet provider) DNS to work correctly and connect.

Re: Zone Alarm won't accept dynamic IP device

Thanks, Fax
I won't be able to attack the problem for a day or so due to other commitments (and I'm not working with the laptop at present), so I'll post a reply then.
So, with my limited tech knowledge, what I'm doing is obtaining the ISP's server info (IP) and setting that up so Zone Alarm can talk securely to it, blocking the public zone? As a wireless dongle works in areas where there may be other public access points I can see why that is needed.
I'll get back to you! Help much appreciated!

Re: Zone Alarm won't accept dynamic IP device

Thanks, Fax
I read through those instructions on that site, and will do as it suggests!
However, I note in the example that there are 3 IP addresses for the DNS Server. If that happens when I issue that command, do I need to ADD all of them to Zone Alarm configuration? I assume so, but just checking ...